Marla Grossman

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, it brings with it numerous questions regarding the application of intellectual property (IP) laws. The intersection of AI and IP raises critical considerations about the rights of creators and innovators, the interpretation and enforcement of established laws, and the potential impact on the future of creativity and innovation. As 2024 ends, and a new presidential administration prepares to develop and enact new policies, it is imperative to establish a framework of general principles that will guide policy development around AI, ensuring that the underlying goals of the IP system are upheld.

Later this week, our nation and the world will celebrate the 55th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s first moonwalk. Before that historic event, President John F. Kennedy explained why the U.S. undertook such a challenge….  To me, the inspiring part of the speech was not the goal of going to the moon itself but embracing that goal and others “not because they are easy but because they are hard.”  I am delighted that U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director Kathi Vidal is doing just that: embracing the hard challenges. Moreover, she is tackling a worthy cause—patent pendency.

As we thankfully see 2020 fading into the rear-view mirror and all look forward to a hopefully much better 2021, we want to take a moment to reflect on what the past year brought us and how the stage is set for another very fluid and consequential year for intellectual property policy. In times like these, it is clear that leadership matters more than ever. During some of the most challenging times our country has faced, there were a number of places where we saw strong leadership result in tangible progress. This year has already shown us a dramatic first few days. Beyond the tragic events in the U.S. Capitol, we saw the somewhat unexpected shift of power in the Senate to Democratic control based on the election of both Rev. Raphael Warnock and John Ossoff in Georgia. It is clear that the new Congress and the new Biden Administration will face huge challenges before we approach anything close to “normal” in any sense. That said, when it comes to IP, what can we expect?

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on what mattered most in the world of intellectual property during 2019.?It was a particularly active year on IP issues, with important events in the courts, Congress, and agencies. Below we have highlighted a few of the most significant activities. Compare our list to yours and let us know what you think!? 

Last year at this time, I wished for the passage of trade secrets legislation, resolution of the patent reform legislation stalemate in Congress, that the USPTO consider evidence of non-preemption during its initial determination of patent eligibility; and that the USPTO prioritize accuracy, completeness and accessibility of the public record as part of its Patent Quality Review… If a genie were to appear to grant me wishes for 2017, I would ask for two things in particular: First, that the USPTO not change the information printed on the front page of issued patents. Second, that the Commerce Department cease attempts to make the USPTO pay for the shared services initiative.